Best 4-String P-Basses Under $2,000 2025

Affordable 4-string p-basses under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Pop For Country For Blues For Classic Rock For Alternative

BRANDS: Fender Harley Benton Sandberg Sadowsky Marcus Miller Squier Lakland Yamaha

Sandberg California II VS 4 MN RB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II VS 4 MN RB

by Sandberg

Blues Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Sandberg California II VS 4 MN RBElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: MapleBlack dot fretboard inlaysNut...

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 439930

$1,704

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado SSM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado SSM

by Sadowsky

Country Classic Rock Alternative

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Great for pick and finger playing

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado SSMElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Morado (pau...

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 596260

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 BK

by Sadowsky

Classic Rock Alternative Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Less modern features

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 BKElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596196

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VS 4 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II VS 4 Black

by Sandberg

Pop Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Single pickup limits sound options

Sandberg California II VS 4 BlackElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFertboard: MapleBlack dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 514265

$1,924

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CHM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CHM

by Sadowsky

Country Classic Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado WHMElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596255

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender AM Perf P-Bass MN LPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender AM Perf P-Bass MN LPB

by Fender

Blues Country Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Fender AM Perf P-Bass MN LPBElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays: black dotNeck...

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 452940

$1,737

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha BB734 A DCSG RW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha BB734 A DCSG RW

by Yamaha

Pop Country Alternative

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Yamaha BB734 A DCSG RW4-String Electric BassBody: AldermaplealderNeck: 5-Ply maple/mahoganyFretboard: Rosewood...

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 464691

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM CAO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM CAO

by Sadowsky

Blues Classic Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less modern features

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM CAOElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 596221

$1,066

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 4 SOWHP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 4 SOWHP

by Sadowsky

Rock Blues Alternative

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 4 SOWHPElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595885

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lakland Skyline 44-64 Custom 4 WH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Lakland Skyline 44-64 Custom 4 WH

by Lakland

Country Alternative Pop

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Less modern features

Lakland Skyline 44-64 Custom 4 BKElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodPearl block fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 574498

$1,814

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha BB734 AIDB Indigo Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha BB734 AIDB Indigo Blue

by Yamaha

Alternative Pop Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• May lack brightness for slap bass

Yamaha BB734 AIDB Indigo BlueElectric Bass3-Piece body: Alder / Maple / AlderBolt-on 5-piece neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 605504

$1,198

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF BB GH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF BB GH

by Sandberg

Classic Rock Country Alternative

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Great for pick and finger playing

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Thicker neck profile

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF BB GHElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Pau FerroWhite dot fretboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 520935

$1,924

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN SSY - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN SSY

by Fender

Country Alternative Pop

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Great for pick and finger playing

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Thicker neck profile

Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN SSYElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 609112

$1,196

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CAR

by Sadowsky

Classic Rock Blues Country

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Great for pick and finger playing
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• May lack brightness for slap bass

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CARElectric bassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: MoradoScale: 864...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 596214

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lakland Skyline 44-64 Deluxe 4 HOB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Lakland Skyline 44-64 Deluxe 4 HOB

by Lakland

Rock Pop Blues

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less modern features

Lakland Skyline 44-64 Deluxe 4 HOBElectric BassBody: AshTop: flamed mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodCream...

⭐ 4.4/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 574500

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 4-String P-Basses

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 4-string p-basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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Best 4-String P-Basses Under $2,000 2025

Sandberg California II VS 4 MN RB

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado SSM

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 BK

Sandberg California II VS 4 Black

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CHM

Fender AM Perf P-Bass MN LPB

Yamaha BB734 A DCSG RW

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM CAO

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 4 SOWHP

Lakland Skyline 44-64 Custom 4 WH

Yamaha BB734 AIDB Indigo Blue

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF BB GH

Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN SSY

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CAR

Lakland Skyline 44-64 Deluxe 4 HOB

How to Choose the Best 4-String P-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 4-string p-basses?

How much should I spend on 4-string p-basses?

Are expensive 4-string p-basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 4-string p-basses?

Should I buy 4-string p-basses online or in-store?

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